North Bengal’s business groups offer scope for industries moving out of China

Companies that are shifting facilities from China because of the
Covid-19 outbreak should be offered base in north Bengal districts, feel
industry and commerce bodies from the region.

The local business
groups say that the state as well as the Centre should see a golden
opportunity in the trouble China is facing. North Bengal shares borders
with the Indian states of Sikkim and Assam as well as Bangladesh, Bhutan
and Nepal. The last two countries and Sikkim share borders with China.

Rajendra
Kumar Baid, general secretary, Cooch Behar District Chamber of Commerce
and Industries has already written to chief minister Mamata Banerjee,
requesting her to utilize the opportunity.

“Many companies are
moving out of China as they have don’t feel safe anymore. India is being
seen as the next destination by some companies from Europe, USA and
Japan,” said Baid.

“We can invite a few companies to Cooch Behar district where around
2000 acres of government land is lying unutilized alongside the Torsha
River,” said Baid. “This is what I wrote to the chief minister,” he
added.

“North Bengal is connected to the rest of India by rail,
road and air routes. The Asian Highways Network connects north Bengal to
Myanmar and other countries,” said Baid.

Sanjit Saha, chairman,
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), North Bengal chapter, said,
“India is now being seen as a beacon of hope by potential investors and
North Bengal fits the bill. Availability of cheap land and labour makes
the region an attractive destination. The CII will write to the state
and the Centre. This is the time to highlight the advantages of this
region before potential investors.”

Niranjan Mittal, director of Siliguri-based PCM Group of Companies
that has investments in many countries, said, “Though it is early to say
that all companies will move their investments from China to India, the
crisis at least presents an opportunity worth exploring.”

“We
need to ensure ease in doing business through a single window system.
With the Centre trying to change its policies for eastern states, north
Bengal can gain,” said Mittal.

Surajit Paul, secretary, North
Bengali Industries Association said, “With more than 7000 micro, small
and medium industries, north Bengal has the geographical advantage of
reaching out to markets in many neighbouring countries.”

North Bengal development department minister Rabindranath Ghosh said,
“We will provide land to the companies that invest in north Bengal. The
region has a land bank and offers pleasant climatic condition. Also,
there are some natural advantages for food and fruit processing and
agri-based industries.”

https://www.hindustantimes.com

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Companies that are shifting facilities from China because of the Covid-19 outbreak should be offered base in north Bengal districts, feel industry and commerce bodies from the region.
The local business groups say that the state as well as the Centre should see a golden opportunity in the trouble China is facing. North Bengal